Unitarian Universalists across the US, at the June 2025 General Assembly, overwhelming approved Actions of Immediate Witness addressing Resisting Authoritarianism and more. The UU Social Justice group has recommended congregations take several actions to implement this important statement, including congregations approving a Resolution. 

Because this recommendation is consistent with our UU values, and is timely, we have scheduled a congregation vote to approve the Resolution submitted by the Democracy in Action Team and approved by your Board of Trustees for voting. We recognize congregants are not accustomed to voting at times other than the annual meeting, but this request follows the UUCC Justice Endorsement policy adopted in 2021.

The Democracy in Action Team presented information about this Resolution at the congregational conversation on 10/12/25, and will be sharing this information again through the weekly update. Please review the material they provide, and plan to be present and vote on Sunday February 8, 2026.  Thank you for giving voice to our UU Values!

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Faithful Defiance for Democracy: A Call to Action WHEREAS, Unitarian Universalists affirm and promote the use of the democratic process in society at large, consistent with our shared Values of Justice and Equity; WHEREAS, democracy in the United States faces unprecedented challenges from rising authoritarianism, including efforts to undermine free and fair elections, suppress the vote, spread disinformation, erode civil liberties, and concentrate power in the hands of the few; 

WHEREAS, the imposition of authoritarianism threatens the worth and dignity of all people, particularly those already marginalized by systemic racism, xenophobia, 

misogyny, economic injustice, and other forms of oppression, including LGBTIQ communities and immigrants and refugees; 

WHEREAS, our faith calls us to act in solidarity with those defending democratic norms, institutions, and rights; 

BE IT RESOLVED THAT this congregation: 

1. Affirms its commitment to democracy as a moral and spiritual imperative and as essential to the realization of justice, equity, and compassion in 

human society; 

2. Condemns efforts to subvert democratic institutions, suppress voting 

rights, intimidate public servants, manipulate the judiciary, and spread 

authoritarian ideologies; 

3. Commits to nonviolent action in defense of democratic values, and to 

active resistance against authoritarian encroachment through legal, 

ethical, and peaceful means; 

4. Supports local, state, and national efforts to protect and expand voting rights, ensure election integrity, and hold leaders accountable to the rule of law;

5. Encourages education and civic engagement within and beyond the congregation, including hosting forums, supporting nonpartisan voter registration efforts, engaging in public witness for democracy including non violent protests, strikes and disruptive events as needed; 

6. Partners with other faith communities and civic organizations to build a broad-based movement to uphold democratic principles and resist authoritarianism; 

7. Create a task force or working group to guide, coordinate, and report on these efforts, ensuring that our actions remain grounded in our Unitarian Universalist values and inclusive of all members of our community. 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT this resolution be shared with our regional and national Unitarian Universalist associations and other faith-based organizations. And further, that our congregation remains steadfast in love, courage, and commitment as we work to build a just, democratic, and compassionate society for all.

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